Listen to this episode of The Daily:
I relate to this spiritual journey so much as I have lived and continue to live a similar trajectory. I remember reading Rachel's blog posts when I was questioning my faith and thinking, "Wow, I'm not alone. I'm allowed to think differently. It's okay. God will still meet me and love me here."
It's crazy to now see just how "not alone" I was. My journey began in the tail end of high school, when thinking for myself was causing a disturbance in the faith that I grew up with. Just like Rachel, the struggle of evolving took place in college. I was deep into my studies of the sciences and engineering, fascinated by what we know, but even more captivated by what we don't know. I started diving deep into figuring out how to reconcile my faith with science - trying to create a working partnership instead of an adversarial relationship between the two. A college atmosphere full of different thinkers from all different walks of life is the perfect place to engage with these sorts of challenges.
Then, in my second year of college, one of my closest friends came out to me at my dining room table over a couple slices of pizza. It was a meaningful conversation that I cherish to this day because, while empowering for him, it also changed me! See, I knew how to respond and I knew how to love him, but I had long been way too scared to confront the incompatibility I felt between my heart and the Christian morality I had been taught growing up.
And here is where my journey mirrors Rachel's so perfectly: I remember watching the exact same video from Matthew Vines via social media, and it rocked my world.
Here's Matthew's investigation if you're interested:
Matthew's message was a turning point for me in a similar fashion because it inspired me to investigate my moral convictions more intentionally, outside of what tradition dictates. He showed me that I can approach scripture in different, more critical ways. After watching his message, I embarked on my own year long intellectual and spiritual exploration to learn and reconcile what I believed about sexual morality in the Christian faith. I studied the scriptures, engaged in countless discussions, and realized that the most fulfilling relationship with God I could ever have is an authentic one - a lesson I still practice today, and part of the answer I was searching for.
I didn't encounter Rachel's blog until later in college, but it was refreshing when I did. Progressive Christianity has since grown into quite the movement thanks to a robust online community and people like Rachel who weren't scared to ask questions, challenge the status quo, wrestle with doubt, and continue loving no matter the differences in belief. May she rest in the peace of God's presence having lived a life that conquered fear and opened minds and hearts.
As we celebrate pride this month, let's focus on the positive response to oppression and discrimination. The strong unifying relationships formed while fighting for equal rights, the progress made (and the yet to be made), the changing of hearts and minds, the elevation of marginalized voices, and the commitment to live authentic lives with limitless love at the forefront.
What do I believe at this point in my journey? I believe that God cares a whole lot more about the way we treat and care for others, especially those different from us, than God cares about sexuality, race, gender, status, or even religion. Our diversity is not sinful; it's the beautifully mixed color palette with which God's kingdom is painted - in the image of a perfect Christ conquering death to show the transforming power of unconditional love, sovereign grace, and redemptive forgiveness.
If you're questioning, doubting, or feeling challenged in your faith tradition...it's okay! You're not alone! Explore with an open mind and a compassionate heart. You will find the divinity you seek, because seeking is the point.
